BOXING superstar Amir Khan is throwing his weight behind The Bolton News’ Hospice at Home Appeal.

The 25-year-old champion boxer is a dedicated supporter of Bolton Hospice and said the support the nurses provide for people who are reaching the end of their lives is “amazing”.

He is now calling for people in Bolton to add their backing to the appeal, which hopes to raise £110,000 to pay for an additional team of nurses to care for people at home.

So far, thanks to the generosity of readers, the campaign has raised more than £10,000, but there is still a long way to go.

Amir said: “As a supporter of Bolton Hospice for many years I’m pleased to back The Bolton News’ Hospice at Home Appeal.

“I know the care the hospice provides is amazing and can make such a difference, not just to the patients themselves but to their families too. The money raised will mean more local people can choose to be cared for by hospice nurses at home, and I think it’s really important people have that option.

“I really hope the people of Bolton support the appeal and help The Bolton News hit the fundraising target by the end of the year.”

The boxer donates flowers and signed memorabilia to the hospice each year. In January, following a lavish party at the Reebok Stadium to celebrate his engagement to 20-year-old American Pakistani student Faryal Makhdoom, Amir donated some of the many bouquets of flowers the hospice for patients to enjoy.

Alice Atkinson, director of fundraising at Bolton Hospice, said: “I’m delighted Amir is backing our Hospice at Home appeal.

“We’re very fortunate he is a loyal supporter of Bolton Hospice and I hope this will encourage more people to donate or fundraise to help us reach our £110,000 target.”

To find out how to support the appeal, visit boltonhospice.org.uk, email fundraising@ boltonhospice.org or call the fundraising office on 01204 663055.